How the Beatles manager helped the Four Tops become stars in the U.K.

Abdul "Duke" Fakir says he has stopped going to funerals in recent years due to the pain of losing so many close friends. But he says he won't miss the chance to pay his final respects to longtime friend Aretha Franklin. (Aug. 22)
AP

On the Road

When the Four Tops wanted to make it big in the U.K., they looked for a little help of a new friend: Beatles manager Brian Epstein. He booked the Tops at his London Saville Theatre in 1966 in a performance which has since become legendary in England.

The Four Tops in 1966(Photo: Motown Records/Universal Music)

“He told us that he had seen us perform, and if you give me your top performance, I’ll guarantee that when you come back, you’ll be front page news,” said Four Tops founding member Duke Fakir previously to the USA Today Network New Jersey. “We did do one of our best shows and he was so happy, he was almost crying. The audience was standing in the aisles calling for more and more and he said, ‘You guys did it!’

“When we came back, we were front page news and it was like that for years.”

The concert is regarded as a transition point in the U.K. from the Chuck Berry-ish rock of the early British Invasion bands to the more soulful and sophisticated pop sound which would soon emanate from England.

Epstein, who would pass away the following year at the age of 32, threw a party for the Tops at his home following the Saville triumph.

“Everybody was there — the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Small Faces, you name it — anybody who was doing anything in England,” Fakir said. “They respectfully asked us questions about our music and it was almost like a loving thing. They really embraced us.”

Brian Epstein looks on as the Beatles show Ed Sullivan a guitar.(Photo: Apple Corps Ltd.)

The rest of the world has also embraced the Four Tops. The gentlemen of Motown have a catalog of enduring hits: “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch),” “It’s the Same Old Song,” “Bernadette” and more. The Tops — Fakir, 83, is the last surviving original member — come through with the Temptations, who have no original members, for a show Saturday, May 11, at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park.

See the kind of Motown soul in Asbury Park that changed American, and British, music.

“It was a great time,” Fakir said of the 1960s. “There was great camaraderie and it was a community because everyone cared for each other and looked out for each other.

“It was a great time in my life with lots of love, friendship and good will.”

‘Predawn’ on the boardwalk

Frank Lombardi of Asbury Park’s new album, “Predawn,” is stirring, sturdy and a thing of substance. After a first listen, it’ll be like a friend you’ve known for years.

“Predawn” was produced by noted studio man Steve Greenwell and it features locals Emily Grove, Arlan Feiles and Tara Dente. It’s released on Peter Mantas’ AirPlay Label. Mantas, the entertainment director of the city’s Langosta Lounge and the Asbury Park Yacht Club, knows talent. He was Bon Jovi’s first manager.

“This album gives me a real special feeling,” said Mantas via email. “I knew the combo of Frank and Steve had the potential to make a great record. I couldn’t be happier at how it came out. This is a national act who we are so lucky to have as a Made in Asbury Park artiste.”

Now, it’s the Rolling Ocean Revue featuring Frank Lombardi and the Cranston Dean Band at 9 p.m. Wednesdays at the A.P. Yacht Club in May. They’re performing alone and together, and they’ll give a full-band treatment to the “Predawn” material.

Carousel awards

Finally, we’d like to congratulate Lynne Kirchdoerffer, who’s going to receive the President’s Choice Award at the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce’s Carousel Awards, Friday, May 10, at Convention Hall in Asbury Park.

Kirchdoerffer is being recognized for her work in the founding of the Asbury Ushers, a group of volunteers who ensure that attendees of events at the Paramount Theatre and Convention Hall are greeted warmly and with professionalism.

As so many from outside the town have become prominent faces in the local arts community, and we welcome them, it’s nice that Kirchdoerffer and the Asbury Ushers, long-time locals, are often the faces who greet visitors to events on the boardwalk. It’s their presence that helps keep the city tethered to its roots, and its a big reason why a night out in Asbury Park is a special thing.

Other arts-related Carousels include the Asbury Park Music Foundation receiving the Non-Profit of the Year, and Russell Lewis of the Watermark receiving he Visionary Award.

Visit www.asburyparkchamber.com for more info.

Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. His multiple awards include recognition for stories on both Bruce Springsteen and Snooki. Contact him at @chrisfhjordan; cjordan@app.com.

(Right) Tom Jones, founder and principal of Halo Group speaks to (left) Chris Phillips, moderator, during a panel discussion after "Asbury Park: Riot, Redemption and Rock 'N' Roll" documentary screening at the Paramount Theatre during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

(Right) Tom Jones, founder and principal of Halo Group speaks to (left) Chris Phillips, moderator, during a panel discussion after "Asbury Park: Riot, Redemption and Rock 'N' Roll" documentary screening at the Paramount Theatre during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

(Right) Tom Jones, founder and principal of Halo Group speaks to (left) Chris Phillips, moderator, during a panel discussion after "Asbury Park: Riot, Redemption and Rock 'N' Roll" documentary screening at the Paramount Theatre during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

(Right) Tom Jones, founder and principal of Halo Group speaks to (left) Chris Phillips, moderator, during a panel discussion after "Asbury Park: Riot, Redemption and Rock 'N' Roll" documentary screening at the Paramount Theatre during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

Bobby and Peter Farrelly greet the media and members of the APMFF advisory board at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

Bobby and Peter Farrelly greet the media and members of the APMFF advisory board at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

Bobby and Peter Farrelly greet the media and members of the APMFF advisory board at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

(left) Bobby and (4th from left) Peter Farrelly pose with Tom Jones, founder and principal of Halo Group, (3rd from left) Tom Donovan, co-chair of APMFF and president and publisher of Gannett NJ, and (right) Tom Bernard, co-chair of APMFF and co-president and co-founder of Sony Pictures Classics, as they greet the media and members of the APMFF advisory board at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFFril 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

Bobby and Peter Farrelly pose with (center) Tom Jones, founder and principal of Halo Group, and his family as they greet the media and members of the APMFF advisory board at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

Bobby and Peter Farrelly greet the media and members of the APMFF advisory board at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

Bobby and Peter Farrelly greet the media and members of the APMFF advisory board at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

Bobby and Peter Farrelly pose with (center) Tom Donovan, co-chair of APMFF and president and publisher of Gannett NJ, and Tom Bernard, co-chair of APMFF and co-president and co-founder of Sony Pictures Classics, as they greet the media and members of the APMFF advisory board at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

Bobby and Peter Farrelly pose with (center) Tom Bernard, co-chair of APMFF and co-president and co-founder of Sony Pictures Classics, as they greet the media and members of the APMFF advisory board at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

Bobby and Peter Farrelly pose with (center) Tom Bernard, co-chair of APMFF and co-president and co-founder of Sony Pictures Classics, as they greet the media and members of the APMFF advisory board at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

Bobby and Peter Farrelly pose with (center) Tom Bernard, co-chair of APMFF and co-president and co-founder of Sony Pictures Classics, as they greet the media and members of the APMFF advisory board at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

Jake Clemons give his reaction to seeing the completed documentary about Clarence Clemons during panel discussion after presentation of the movie â€œWho Do You Think I Amâ€ at the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival. Peter Ackerman

Dressed as Bruce Springsteen, Travis Stonaker, 7-months, of Ocean Twp. dances with his mother, Christina Stonaker, as the Rock and Roll Playhouse presents the Music of Bruce Springsteen for Kids at the Stone Pony during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

The Rock and Roll Playhouse presents the Music of Bruce Springsteen for Kids at the Stone Pony during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

Scott Warren of Jersey City dances with his 2-year-old son, Ezra, as the Rock and Roll Playhouse presents the Music of Bruce Springsteen for Kids at the Stone Pony during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

Charlie Ciaccio, 4, of Freehold Twp. sits on stage as the Rock and Roll Playhouse presents the Music of Bruce Springsteen for Kids at the Stone Pony during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

The Rock and Roll Playhouse presents the Music of Bruce Springsteen for Kids at the Stone Pony during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

The Rock and Roll Playhouse presents the Music of Bruce Springsteen for Kids at the Stone Pony during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

Charlie Ciaccio, 4, of Freehold Twp. stands on stage as the Rock and Roll Playhouse presents the Music of Bruce Springsteen for Kids at the Stone Pony during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

Charlie Ciaccio, 4, of Freehold Twp. stands on stge as the Rock and Roll Playhouse presents the Music of Bruce Springsteen for Kids at the Stone Pony during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

Danielle and Brandon Crosby of Ocean Twp. dance with their sons, (on shoulders) Ryan, 3, and (standing in front) Dylan, 5, as the Rock and Roll Playhouse presents the Music of Bruce Springsteen for Kids at the Stone Pony during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

Dressed as Bruce Springsteen, Travis Stonaker, 7-months, of Ocean Twp. dances with his mother, Christina Stonaker, as the Rock and Roll Playhouse presents the Music of Bruce Springsteen for Kids at the Stone Pony during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

The Rock and Roll Playhouse presents the Music of Bruce Springsteen for Kids at the Stone Pony during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

The Rock and Roll Playhouse presents the Music of Bruce Springsteen for Kids at the Stone Pony during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

Scott Warren of Jersey City dances with his 2-year-old son, Ezra, as the Rock and Roll Playhouse presents the Music of Bruce Springsteen for Kids at the Stone Pony during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

The Rock and Roll Playhouse presents the Music of Bruce Springsteen for Kids at the Stone Pony during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

The Rock and Roll Playhouse presents the Music of Bruce Springsteen for Kids at the Stone Pony during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

The Rock and Roll Playhouse presents the Music of Bruce Springsteen for Kids at the Stone Pony during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

The Rock and Roll Playhouse presents the Music of Bruce Springsteen for Kids at the Stone Pony during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

The Rock and Roll Playhouse presents the Music of Bruce Springsteen for Kids at the Stone Pony during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

The Rock and Roll Playhouse presents the Music of Bruce Springsteen for Kids at the Stone Pony during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

The Rock and Roll Playhouse presents the Music of Bruce Springsteen for Kids at the Stone Pony during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

The Rock and Roll Playhouse presents the Music of Bruce Springsteen for Kids at the Stone Pony during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

Scott Warren of Jersey City dances with his 2-year-old son, Ezra, as the Rock and Roll Playhouse presents the Music of Bruce Springsteen for Kids at the Stone Pony during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ Sunday, April 28, 2019. #APMFF Tanya Breen

Crew cue up the movie prior to NJ Jersey premiere of Clarence Clemons, Who Do You Think I am documentary at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival. Peter Ackerman

Crowds wait in line to get into NJ Jersey premiere of Clarence Clemons, Who Do You Think I am documentary at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival. Peter Ackerman

Crowds wait in line to get into NJ Jersey premiere of Clarence Clemons, Who Do You Think I am documentary at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival. Peter Ackerman

Crowds wait in line to get into NJ Jersey premiere of Clarence Clemons, Who Do You Think I am documentary at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival. Peter Ackerman

Crowds wait in line to get into NJ Jersey premiere of Clarence Clemons, Who Do You Think I am documentary at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival. Peter Ackerman

Tom Donovan, Regional President, Gannett East Newspaper Group. welcomes audience to the NJ Jersey premiere of Clarence Clemons, Who Do You Think I am documentary at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival. Peter Ackerman

Audience pick their seats for the NJ Jersey premiere of Clarence Clemons, Who Do You Think I am documentary at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park during the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival. Peter Ackerman

Eric Carney, president and chief executive of Monmouth Medical Center talks with Karen Guarasi, Regional Vice President/Advertising with Gannett and Tom Donovan, Regional President, Gannett East Newspaper Group at the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival VIP Party at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park on April 26, 2019. Peter Ackerman

Tom Bernard of Sony Pictures Classics and Julian Edelman of RJWBarnabas Health talk as the party gets underway. Asbury Park Music and Film Festival VIP Party at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park on April 26, 2019. Peter Ackerman

Tom Bernard of Sony Pictures Classics, Justin Edelman of RJWBarnabas Health and producer Eddie Bernard at the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival VIP Party at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park on April 26, 2019. Peter Ackerman

A program book for the Asbury Park Music + Film Festival is shhown on a table at the Paramount Theatre Thursday night, April 25, 2019, before a screening of ”Echo In The Canyon” on the opening night of the Asbury Park Music + Film Festival. Thomas P. Costello

Women display their tickets and programs as they arrive at the Paramount Theatre Thursday night, April 25, 2019, for a screening of the film â€Echo In The Canyonâ€ on the opening night of the Asbury Park Music + Film Festival. Thomas P. Costello

Jakob Dylan watches as â€Echo in the Canyon" director Andrew Slater hands a microphone to an audience member at the Paramount Theatre Thursday night, April 25, 2019, after a screening of the film at the Asbury Park Music + Film Festival. Thomas P. Costello

The crowd winds through the concourse between Convention Hall and the Paramount Theatre Thursday night, April 25, 2019, where a screening of the film â€Echo In The Canyonâ€ was being screened at the Asbury Park Music + Film Festival. Thomas P. Costello

Jakob Dylan and the "Echo in the Canyon" director Andrew Slater hold a Q&A with the Paramount Theatre audience Thursday night, April 25, 2019, after a screening of the film at the Asbury Park Music + Film Festival. Thomas P. Costello

People take snapshots at the Paramount Theatre Thursday night, April 25, 2019, where a screening of the film â€Echo In The Canyonâ€ was being held at the Asbury Park Music + Film Festival. Thomas P. Costello

The crowd winds through the concourse between Convention Hall and the Paramount Theatre Thursday night, April 25, 2019, where a screening of the film ”Echo In The Canyon” was being screened at the Asbury Park Music + Film Festival. Thomas P. Costello

Jakob Dylan and the "Echo in the Canyon" director Andrew Slater hold a Q&A with the Paramount Theatre audience Thursday night, April 25, 2019, after a screening of the film at the Asbury Park Music + Film Festival. Thomas P. Costello

Jakob Dylan and the "Echo in the Canyon" director Andrew Slater hold a Q&A with the Paramount Theatre audience Thursday night, April 25, 2019, after a screening of the film at the Asbury Park Music + Film Festival. Thomas P. Costello

Jakob Dylan and the "Echo in the Canyon" director Andrew Slater hold a Q&A with the Paramount Theatre audience Thursday night, April 25, 2019, after a screening of the film at the Asbury Park Music + Film Festival. Thomas P. Costello